Welcome to Our Events Guide: What's On
See details of our events guide: What’s on in Bournemouth UK.
Whether you are looking to visit local Food festivals, live music, Theatre, Cinema, below are just some of the great events that take place in the area of Bournemouth UK throughout the year.
Westbourne Farmers’ and Makers Market brings local producers, bakers, artists and independent traders to Landseer Road on the first Saturday of every month. Visitors can shop for artisan bread, vegetables, meat, cheese, preserves, cakes, plants and handmade products while supporting businesses from Dorset and the surrounding area. The outdoor market is free to visit, welcomes dogs on leads and is close to Westbourne’s shops, cafés, bus stops and public parking.
Parkruns are free, weekly 5k events that bring local communities together every Saturday morning. Across Bournemouth and Poole, parkruns take place in parks, woodland and coastal landscapes, offering something for everyone, whether you prefer flat routes, trail paths or scenic challenges. Here’s our guide...
Discover the story behind Proms in the Park, Bournemouth's much-loved outdoor concert hosted by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. We explore how the event began, the community spirit behind it and what makes a summer evening in Meyrick Park so special. From picnic blankets and blockbuster film scores to classical favourites and a spectacular fireworks finale, here's why Proms in the Park has become one of Dorset's favourite annual traditions.
Discover Tree of Strings Festival in Abbotsbury, where world-class musicians, emerging talent and a passion for music education come together for a unique weekend of live performances, creativity and community in the heart of Dorset.
Bournemouth International Film Festival 2026 returns to Bournemouth in October for two days of independent cinema, emerging talent and creative industry events. Visitors can expect feature films, shorts, documentaries and animation alongside workshops, industry panels, networking and a black-tie awards night.
Discover the best Dorset events in 2026 with our month-by-month calendar featuring music festivals, food festivals, country shows, carnivals, literary events, sporting events and family-friendly days out across the county. From Bournemouth and Poole to Weymouth, Swanage, Bridport and beyond, explore what's on throughout the year and find inspiration for your next Dorset adventure. Bookmark this page as we'll keep it updated with the latest 2026 event announcements and new events as they're confirmed.
Arts by the Sea has revealed its full 2026 programme, featuring fire shows, live music, giant puppets, dance and free family activities in Bournemouth.
A new Wellness Fair is coming to Boscombe’s Royal Arcade in October and November, bringing together local wellbeing practitioners, therapists and independent businesses.
Join Ecstatic Dance every Wednesday at The Neptune Bar in Boscombe. Enjoy uplifting music, conscious movement, and community connection in a welcoming seaside space.
Join Rotary Westbourne for an evening of live music at Key West on Bournemouth Pier. Enjoy great entertainment while supporting local charities and community causes.
Discover the UK Open Dance Festival 2026 at the Bournemouth International Centre, taking place from 20–25 January 2026. Experience world-class Ballroom and Latin dance competitions, spectacular performances and evening finals in one of the UK’s most iconic event venues.
Bournemouth Writing Festival is a festival celebrating creativity and talent in Bournemouth's local writing scene. Talks, seminars, panels, and performances are all available over a weekend in April, with something for anyone - from young children to published authors.
This Christmas you can enjoy this year's Bournemouth pantomime Aladdin Sat 5 Dec 2026 – Sun 3 Jan 2027
The largest music and sport festival in the world, Bournemouth 7s has come around once again! Buy tickets here: https://bournemouth7s.com/tickets/
Discover Halloween events in Bournemouth for 2026, including spooky family trails at the Russell-Cotes, a Halloween party on Bournemouth Pier, atmospheric live music and adult club nights at Canvas, The Vault and The Old Fire Station. Find confirmed dates, ticket prices, locations and booking links, plus information about pumpkin picking near Bournemouth and events expected at the Oceanarium during October half term.
Calling yarn lovers and hand stitchers to Stitch Night! Bring along your current WIP for a laidback, social craft sesh with like-minded creatives.
Find car boot sales in and around Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch during 2026, including regular events at Hurn, Poole Stadium, Farmer Palmer’s and Ashley Heath. Our local guide covers operating days, seasonal dates, buyer and seller arrival times, pitch prices and booking information. As outdoor sales can be cancelled because of poor weather or ground conditions, always check the organiser’s latest update before travelling.
Bournemouth Sunday Market brings independent traders, street food and traditional market stalls to The Square every Sunday. Visitors can browse clothing, gifts, crafts, fresh produce, food and household goods in the pedestrianised town centre, close to Bournemouth Gardens and the main shopping streets. This visitor guide covers current trading times, location, parking, public transport, accessibility and what you can expect to find at the market.
Bournemouth Christmas Market is expected to return to the town centre for the 2026 festive season, bringing Alpine-style chalets, independent traders, seasonal food and the popular Alpine Lodge Bar to The Square. Official dates and the full 2026 programme have not yet been announced. This preview explains what visitors can expect based on previous years, with confirmed information to be added when it is released.
Discover the principal markets in Bournemouth, from weekly street markets in Bournemouth town centre and Boscombe to farmers’ markets, art and makers’ events, nearly-new children’s sales and seasonal Christmas shopping. Compare current days, opening times, locations, products, parking and accessibility, then follow our individual visitor guides for everything you need before setting out.
Boscombe Market is a traditional open-air street market held every Thursday and Saturday in the pedestrianised section of Christchurch Road. Visitors can browse stalls selling fresh produce, food, clothing, plants, jewellery and household goods in the centre of Boscombe’s shopping district. Entry is free, with nearby bus stops, town-centre parking and local shops making it easy to combine the market with a wider visit to Boscombe.
Celebrate Bourne Free Pride Festival 2027 in Bournemouth, with three days of live entertainment, community celebrations and family-friendly activities at Meyrick Park. Featuring the annual Pride Parade, live music, market stalls and a free Family Fun Day, it's one of Dorset's biggest and most colourful summer festivals.
The Big Glow Show is a new Bournemouth event taking place at Shelley Park on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 November 2026. The two-night festival will feature three choreographed laser shows, live singers, fire performers, circus entertainment, food stalls, a licensed bar and fairground attractions. With no traditional fireworks or loud bangs, it offers a different way to enjoy Bonfire Night weekend in Bournemouth, although visitors should expect bright and flashing lights throughout the evening.
Westover Gardens Art and Makers Market brings local artists, designers and independent makers to Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens between May and October. Visitors can browse original artwork, jewellery, ceramics, homeware, accessories and handmade gifts in an attractive outdoor setting close to The Square and seafront. The market is free to visit and normally operates on weekends and advertised bank holidays, although visitors should check the organiser’s latest dates before travelling.
BOOK a place on the Spring Creative Workshops for ages 7–12 this February half term. Calm, hands-on art sessions inspired by nature, including wreath making and spring dioramas. Limited spaces available.
Dancing Terraces returns to Pavilion Dance South West for summer 2026, bringing free outdoor dance sessions to the Garden Terrace beside Bournemouth’s seafront. Every Friday and Saturday evening in August, visitors can join professional dancers, musicians and DJs for styles ranging from Commercial and African dance to Bollywood, Vintage Jazz, Hip Hop, Ceilidh and Salsa. No booking or previous dance experience is required, making this a relaxed, family-friendly way to enjoy a summer evening in Bournemouth.
Run Bournemouth is a fun sporting festival involving a series of running races on the Bournemouth seafront on 8th / 9th October. This is a popular event for the whole family with running options of a half-marathon, 10km, 5km as well as Junior event categories.
Anathema Witch Markets bring alternative artists, makers, readers and independent traders to Boscombe’s historic Royal Arcade throughout the year. Each indoor market follows a different seasonal theme, with stalls selling handmade jewellery, candles, crystals, herbal products, gothic artwork, books, clothing and unusual curiosities. Entry is free, with tarot readings, live music and occasional workshops adding to the experience. This guide includes the confirmed 2026 dates, facilities, accessibility and travel information.
Join the festive sparkle at Christmas Tree Wonderland Bournemouth from November to early January – free immersive trail of illuminated trees live music ice rink and Alpine market for all ages.
Be At One Bournemouth offers daily 2-for-1 cocktails, student discounts, £5 margaritas mid-week and 50% off spirits for students and industry workers, all set to DJs and a lively nightlife atmosphere.
Slug & Lettuce Bournemouth offers 2-for-1 cocktails every day and a popular Bottomless Brunch with unlimited drinks and food options, all in a lively, stylish setting perfect for daytime plans and evenings out.
The Dancing Jug in Bournemouth offers daily 2-for-1 cocktails, bottomless brunch, weekly food discounts and karaoke nights from Wednesday through Sunday. A lively bar and restaurant with great value deals, fun entertainment and an energetic atmosphere all week long.
The George Tapps in Bournemouth offers daily 2-for-1 cocktails and weekly food deals including burgers, pub classics, steak, curry night, fish Fridays and Sunday dessert specials, all in a lively, spacious pub with great value and a fun atmosphere.
O’Neill’s Bournemouth offers happy hour deals, bottomless brunch, weekday meal-and-drink offers, two-for-one pizzas, live sport and a lively Irish pub atmosphere perfect for casual drinks and social nights.
Aruba Bournemouth offers £3 tacos and £6 margaritas on Thursdays, a £35 bottomless brunch on Fridays and Saturdays, cocktail masterclasses, live music with wings deals on Wednesdays and vibrant beachside nightlife all week long.
Barbara’s Bar in Bournemouth offers a German-inspired après-ski experience with daily Happy Hour, a weekly boozy quiz on Tuesdays and a £30 Saturday bottomless brunch with unlimited pizza, cocktails and alpine music.
Smokin’ Aces Bournemouth offers whiskey, rum and gin tasting classes from £28 per person, live music every Friday and Saturday, award-winning cocktails and a vibrant late-night atmosphere in the Triangle.
Cosy Club Bournemouth offers two cocktails for £12, a £25 bottomless brunch with 90 minutes of drinks, and private cocktail masterclasses with hands-on mixology, all served in a stylish, welcoming bar and restaurant.
The Four Horsemen in Bournemouth offers craft beer, Detroit-style pizzas, live music, a weekly Tuesday quiz, over 100 beers and ciders and Bournemouth’s only underground microclub for gigs and club nights.
The Brass Haus in the centre of Bournemouth offers weekday meal-and-drink deals for £8.50, £4 Happy Hour pints and cocktails, live music every weekend and live sport in a vibrant Bavarian-style pub setting.
BrewDog Bournemouth offers a £15 weekday lunch deal with a pint included, all-you-can-eat wings every Wednesday for £19.95, and a lively craft beer bar atmosphere perfect for casual dining and nights out.
Bournemouth parkrun is a free weekly 5K for runners, joggers and walkers at Kings Park. Taking place every Saturday at 9am, it welcomes experienced runners, complete beginners, families and anyone wanting a more active start to the weekend. Here is everything you need to know about the course, registration, parking, public transport and current participation rules.
Boom Battle Bar Bournemouth offers axe throwing, crazy golf, beer pong and more, with 2-for-1 cocktails during weekday Happy Hour and a £15 fully loaded lunchtime deal including food, drinks and games.
Flirt Café & Bar in Bournemouth hosts weekly quiz nights, monthly curry and bingo events, arts and crafts sessions, live entertainment and regular Happy Hour deals in a fun, welcoming community space.
Find the top Galentine’s celebrations in Bournemouth, from themed brunches and cocktails to spa days and live events, ideal for a memorable day out with your best friends.
On Sunday, 17 May 2026, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride will occur in cities worldwide, uniting riders to support Movember’s efforts in raising funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health. The Bournemouth-Poole ride, one of the largest globally and the biggest in the UK, attracts approximately 1,000 riders and ranks among the top fundraisers.
Experience Proms in the Park 2026 at Meyrick Park, Bournemouth, on 7-8 August. Hosted by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, this popular Dorset summer event features two spectacular evenings of live orchestral music, from timeless classical favourites and film scores to the biggest hits of the 1990s, all ending with a breathtaking fireworks display. Find event dates, ticket information and everything you need to plan your visit.
As autumn begins, Bournemouth Pavilion’s September programme delivers a fresh run of live entertainment, from standout concerts and theatre to comedy, tribute acts and special one-night performances.
Experience one of Dorset's biggest cultural weekends at the free Arts by the Sea Festival 2026 in Bournemouth. Taking place on 25-26 September, this award-winning festival fills Bournemouth Gardens and the town centre with spectacular outdoor performances, live music, street theatre, art installations, dance and interactive experiences. With its 2026 ELEMENTAL theme celebrating creativity, sustainability and community, Arts by the Sea is one of the highlights of the Dorset events calendar.
Bournevaria Oktoberfest is the biggest Oktoberfest celebration on the South Coast. Located in the Windsor Hall at the Bournemouth International Centre in Bournemouth, the event is held every September. The event is a chance to enjoy German tradition and is set in the Bavarian-themed beer hall at the BIC. Book tickets to this event to enjoy several fun evenings of live entertainment, great food, and fantastic German beers.
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